Library History and Friends of the Library [History] [Friends of the Library] History of the Library      The library began in the little building behind the Lithgow Street site where the librarian had to borrow a table to do her cataloging and keep the wood stove going. The selectmen did supply the wood. After much public debate the Lithgow Street site was built in 1926 for a population of about 3000 people. The library owned 5000 books and was open a couple days a week. Around 1939 Mr. Marriner, a historian from Colby College was hired to catalog the collection professionally but the cataloging was not kept up.      The library had only three directors between 1926 and 1978. Around 1978 two dynamic trustees were elected: Ed Morrison and Sheila Cosgrove. The rest of the board was cooperative and concerned so many changes came about. Policies were written, trustees educated themselves about libraries beyond Winslow and a full time library director was hired.      When Priscilla arrived, the records claimed 300 patrons but circulation revealed about 150, uncataloged books were stored on their sides on the shelves, adult books were in the catalog by title and author but children's books were not listed anywhere, and programming for children did not exist.      The Morrison boys went home to tell their Mom "You should see what she's done to the library! She's cleared all the tables so we can study."      The only way a book could be found by subjects was if the librarians recalled where it was. Within six months there were programs for children, summer programs, and the collection was completely cataloged. Adult programming was tried but adults wouldn't sit on the floor - the only space available. By 1987 the library owned 24,000 books and was open every day except Sunday at least from 1-8.      The flood of April '87 wiped out 20,000 of the books but service was restored with many hours on the part of staff and the community and the help of FEMA. It was obvious the library needed a new building but it took almost ten years before it became a reality.      The first proposal failed but the second, to renovate an existing roller rink, was approved by the voters.      The library now has over 5000 patrons, over 50,000 materials and offers a variety of programming for adults and children. [Back to Top] Friends of the Library      Virtually every public library in the nation has a group of dedicated, behind-the-scenes people who support the library in various ways. Winslow has had its own "friends" group as long as it has been in existence. At times it may be a small collection of regular library patrons gathering to help clean up after one of our famous floods, or to move or re-stack books. They are often visible at the popular book sales or other fund raising activities.      Our own group became a vital part of the campaign to raise funds for our new library in the mid 90's. Our efforts helped to defray furniture and fixtures expenses and helped the town meet its budgeted financial commitment for the re-location to our present comfortable setting.      Presently, our modest funds, accumulated from book sales, donations and fund raising events, are used to cover non-budgeted, unexpected, emergency or special projects. It is my pleasure to serve the town as coordinator and treasurer for the "Friends Of Winslow Library" since 2004. Questions, donations or suggestions may be sent to: Friends Of Winslow Library c/o Maria DeSalme Winslow Public Library 136 Halifax St. Winslow, ME 04901 [Back to Top]